The History of Grandview

Grandview Baptist Church was begun through the cooperative efforts of the churches in the Chugach Baptist Association. On May 1, 1952, a lot was secured at Columbine and Saxton Road (now Debarr Road) and work on the building began. On June 15, 1952, the building was dedicated with nine people attending Sunday School that first week. Carl Rylander drew the original building plans and the building was erected with volunteer labor donated by members of the local Baptist churches and First Baptist Church, Palmer. The cost of construction was also paid for by these sister churches. Grandview Gardens Baptist Church (named for the new subdivision) was constituted on September 14, 1952 with 12 charter members. Forest W. Carter was the pastor. Other pastors who have served Grandview are Edward E. Evans, C.H. Terwilliger, Richard C. Copeland, W.T. Carlson, Roy L. Grove, Clifford S. McConnell, Edward E. Wolfe, and Robert E. Jones. Currently, Randy Graham is pastor, starting in March, 2000.

Since 1955 Grandview has sponsored six missions, all which have constituted as sister churches. Trinity in 1955 (now Victory Baptist Church), First Baptist Church of Eagle River in 1958, University Baptist Church in 1959, the Korean Baptist Church in 1992, Valley View Baptist Church in 1993 and Montana Creek Baptist Church in 2003.

Clifford S. McConnell served the church the longest pastoral term from 1963-1980. Brother McConnell led the church through two building programs while the church continued to increase in mission giving and sponsor local missions. The first building under his leadership was completed and dedicated in 1965 (present auditorium). The second unit (educational wing) was dedicated debt free on the 25^th anniversary of the church in September 1977. Under Brother McConnell’s leadership the church began two missions. The Montana Creek Mission, mile 98, Parks Highway, was begun in 1968. In 1974 the Fairview Baptist Church merged with Grandview. At that time the Fairview Baptist Center was opened. During Brother McConnell’s pastorate, the Grandview Church increased its staff by employing a Director of Education, Dyke Brandon, and then later a Director of Education and Outreach (Louise Yarbrough). The first full- time Minister of Music and Youth (Tom Watson) was also hired during Brother McConnell’s tenure. Tom Welch served in that capacity after Tom Watson moved to another church. Then Lee Hansard served as Minister of Music and Youth from 1983 to 1995. Alan Smith served in this position from 1996 to 1998.

Grandview Baptist Church became actively involved in an international ministries in 1971 when Chugach Baptist Association English/Citizenship School was moved from Calvary Baptist Church to Grandview. During the history of this school, Grandview provided two directors as well as many teachers. An outgrowth of this school was the beginning of a Korean Baptist Church in January 1978 that meets in the old Fairview Baptist Church building. Other weekday ministries of the church have been Mother’s Day Off Childcare (1973-1979), a clothing closet, a ladies Bible class for eight years, and the “Big A Club”, an after-school Bible Club which began in 1978. Currently, a food pantry ministry provides food for up to five families each week.

Much happened in the 80’s. In 1982-1983, the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were renovated and in November 1984 Grandview began the Valley View Baptist Mission in Eagle River under the leadership of Edward E. Wolfe. The house on Sunrise Street was purchased and has been used for educational space and housing. The duplex across Columbine was acquired and is being used for educational space.

Grandview has a rich history. As we look forward to the time that may remain before the return of the Lord, we seek to follow His guidance, ministering to the saints, and winning the lost.